Basic Parenting is a comprehensive approach to parent education that incorporates simplicity and flexibility in its emphasis on learning the basics or fundamentals of parent-child relationships. The program is based on the National Extension Parent Education Model, a collaborative effort by parent educators throughout the country to find common ground on priorities in parent education. This model identified six general categories or pathways for parent education: care for self, understand, nurture, guide, motivate, and advocate. Resources in Basic Parenting are distributed to provide depth in each of these areas.

Basic Parenting was designed for parents who are struggling with child rearing challenges, though all parents are likely to find its playful approach to learning about children both interesting and useful. Although written at about fifth grade reading level, the material is appropriate for use with college educated audiences. Complex ideas are reduced to their simplest, most fundamental elements.

The first set of resources focuses on Foundations, the broad range of fundamentals of effective parent-child relationships in each of the six categories. Additional programs are being developed to compliment and expand this foundation. The first PLUS program examines the developmental implications of children's art and drawing. The second PLUS program focuses on the development of conscience. The third PLUS program will examine parental anger management. Each program includes a set of Insights. Insights are principles and skills that are defined and described on a single page. Each principle and skill is also included in a deck of cards. Each program will also have a Guide for Program Leaders that provides information on implementing the program, including workshops for parents.

If you would like to learn more about Basic Parenting, take a look at The Foundations Slide Show.